We all know the importance of a healthy gut. Accelerates digestion and metabolism and further promotes general well-being. According to a report on the official website of the University of California, Davis, “intestinal health describes the function and balance of bacteria in many parts of the gastrointestinal tract”. There is a wide variety of bacteria in our digestive tract. Called a microbiome, most of these microorganisms are extremely beneficial to health. Several studies around the world have proven its influence on our mood, mental health, skin health, immunity and more. For the uninitiated, about 70% of the immune system is housed in the intestinal walls. Therefore, experts around the world recommend maintaining a healthy gut to promote immunity and prevent various influenza and bacteria attacks in the long run.
Establishing the importance of the intestinal microbiome, a new study finds a surprising link between these bacteria and COVID-19. According to the study, these bacteria may influence the “severity of COVID-19, as well as the magnitude of the immune system’s response to infection”. He also suggested that any kind of imbalance can lead to persistent inflammatory symptoms – often called ‘long COVID’. These findings were published in the journal Gut.
As the severities of COVID-19 are related to intestinal health:
The importance of strong immunity during this ongoing Coronavirus pandemic is no secret to the world. Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia, chief nutritionist at Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Mumbai suggests: “Strengthening immunity begins with supplying your body with the right kind of food and all essential nutrients.” In addition, it also depends on the condition of our gut. Therefore, the researchers in this study wanted to find out whether these intestinal microbiomes can affect the immune system’s response to COVID-19 infection.
For this study, the researchers analyzed medical records from 100 hospitals and blood and stool samples from people with confirmed COVID-19 infection between February and May last year. They also had a record of 78 people without a COVID-19 infection.
After extensive research, it was discovered that the intestinal microbiome may have a potential effect on the severities of COVID-19.
“In light of reports that a subset of patients recovered with COVID-19 has persistent symptoms, such as fatigue, dyspnoea [breathlessness] and joint pain, some more than 80 days after the onset of symptoms, we postulate that the dysbiotic intestinal microbiome may contribute to health problems related to the post-COVID-19 immune system “, explained the researchers.
They added, “The strengthening of beneficial gut species depleted in COVID-19 may serve as a new way to mitigate serious illnesses, stressing the importance of controlling patients’ intestinal microbiota during and after COVID-19.”
Considering the above factors, we say that maintaining a strong and healthy gut can not only have a positive effect on people affected by COVID-19, but also help to maintain a healthy and nutritious body inside.
Read too: Nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary suggests dietary changes to reduce intestinal inflammation
Eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods to keep your digestive tract healthy
COVID-19 and gut health: 5 diet tips to keep your gut healthy
1. Stay hydrated:
Drinking an adequate amount of water every day can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in our digestive tract.
2. Chew your food well:
Chewing food properly and slowly is of utmost importance to improve digestion. This helps to maintain overall health.
3. Consume probiotic:
Yogurt, pickles, paneer, fermented soy (akhuni), etc., are loaded with ‘good bacteria’. Therefore, adding these foods to your daily diet can help to boost digestion and metabolism.
4. Maintain a healthy diet:
Adding more fiber, protein and vitamins to your diet and reducing sugar and fat can influence a healthy gut.
Promoted
5. Proper detoxification:
Eliminating toxins regularly from our bodies is essential to prevent free radical damage and inflammation. These factors help to strengthen immunity and general health.
(Note: these diet tips are not part of the study)
About Somdatta SahaExplorer – that’s what Somdatta likes to call himself. Whether in terms of food, people or places, all she wants is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make your day.